Fountain Valley in Good Shape, Elected Leaders Say

By Lauren Adiova --

Despite fights over tax revenue beween state and local governments and the continuing sluggish economy, things are looking up for Fountain Valley.

That was the message from more than a dozen elected officials who attended the Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce's 32nd Annual Legislative Reception Friday at The Center at Founders Village.

“Orange County, we’re fighting a big battle with the state of California" OC Supervisor Janet Nguyen said.

She cited Assembly Bill 109, which patched up state prison overcrowding problems by shuttling some inmates back to county jails -- a program she said counties didn't get enough funding to carry out.

"The state gave us realignment, AB 109, [and] they’re not funding it fully," Nguyen said. "We’re not funded enough in the county. Everywhere we turn, the county of Orange is getting money taken away, or is forced to be doing more with less.”

But State Assemblyman Travis Allen commended the members of the Chamber of Commerce for contributing to the California economy and the state tax base.

“By owning a business, by running a business, by working for a living, you sustain everything," he said. "You sustain our cities, our water district, our beaches, our parks, all of our government workers. Without you doing any of the good work, we can’t pay for any of these. It is our job up in Sacramento to remember this.”

Despite continuing economic challenges and revenue wrangling between state and local jurisdictions, Mayor Mark McCurdy said Fountain Valley was in good shape.

“While the recession continues, we are feeling positive about the progress that we are making with the revenues and the investments around the community," he said. "The 2012-13 year will be closed with a surplus and the 2013-14 fiscal year budget is on course to be balanced once again. Thanks to 2- to 3-percent growth in our property and sales tax revenue over the last year, we will be adding police officers to our force.

"After the last five years of difficult times, it is great to be able to provide some good news," McCurdy added.

Fountain Valley residents and business owners were invited to the meeting, and residents were able to ask questions of the government officials.

Many government representatives were present at the forum, including McCurdy; Mayor Pro Tem Michael Vo; Councilman Steve Nagel; Councilwoman Cheryl Brothers; Councilman John Collins; Congressman Rohrabacher, 48th District; State Senator Lou Correa, 34th District; State Assemblyman Travis Allen, 72nd District; State Assemblyman Allan Mansoor, 74th District; Supervisor Nguyen, 1st District; Tyler Diep, Senior Advisor to Board of Equalization Member Michelle Steel.